Biographical entry Thomas, Faith (1933 - )

Summary

Faith Thomas (née Coulthard) was the first of six Aboriginal nurses in South Australia to complete training in 1954, and was the first Aboriginal nurse in South Australia to become a public servant. She trained as a midwife at Queen Victoria Hospital in Adelaide, registering in 1957, and began working at Point McLeay Aboriginal Reserve (now Ralkon) in 1958. During this time Faith was well-known as a cricketer and played for the Australian Women's Cricket Team. She has worked widely in the area of Aboriginal heath and community services and is a member of the Northern and Far Western Aboriginal Health Advisory Committee. Her philosophy of health recognises and acknowledges the skills of local healers who know the complexities of Aboriginal values, spirituality and culture.

Edited Books

Reports

Thompson, Jill, Thomas, Faith and Morisset, Robyn, Survey of Accommodation and Health Care Needs for Aged Aboriginals in the North of South Australia: a Report to the Minister of Health from the Aboriginal Housing Board, Aboriginal Housing Board, Adelaide, 1982. Details